Volkswagen Tiguan vs BYD Sealion 8
What's the difference?

Volkswagen Tiguan

$36,990 - $80,690

2025 price

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BYD Sealion 8

$56,990 - $70,990

2026 price

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Summary

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

2026 BYD Sealion 8

By Tom White

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Inline 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.7L/100km (combined)

1.0L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

—

Electric range

152 km

Battery capacity

35.60 kWh

Seating

Likes

The driver's mid-size SUV
Straightforward, well-equipped range
Super practical cabin

Value
Efficiency
Performance

Dislikes

Hybrid? Look elsewhere
One too many touch controls
Ride harsher than expected

No physical spare tyre
Underwhelming drive experience
Clunky media system

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Summary

The third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan is likely to be the most important new vehicle Volkswagen launches in 2025.

The popular mid-sizer has proven to have impressive staying power for the brand, with the outgoing version still impressing buyers despite being nearly a decade old.

What does this ground-up new version change? Does it have what it takes to maintain the nameplate’s reputation in one of Australia’s most hotly contested market segments? And what are some surprises this time around?

We went to its local launch to find out.

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2026 BYD Sealion 8 Summary

As the flagship variant, the BYD Sealion 8 Premium all-wheel drive makes a big first impression as it arrives with seven seats, a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a features list that reads like a wish list.

It’s also stepping into a competitive space, lining up against the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid, Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV and Mazda CX-80 P50e Azami - all promising similar blends of efficiency, space and value for Australian families.

The Sealion 8 Premium looks like a strong contender on paper … but does that translate to the real world?

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan 2026 BYD Sealion 8

Verdict

The new Tiguan is as confident as ever in its identity, even in such a crowded mid-size SUV space where there are so many models worthy of your attention.

No matter which version you choose, this is still the mid-size SUV for a driving enthusiast who doesn’t quite have premium dollars to spend.

While it may not quite expand its appeal as much as the brand hopes precluding a hybrid variant, those who are choosing this as their family hauler for the right reasons won’t be disappointed.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

There’s no denying the value the BYD Sealion 8 Premium offers as it packs a lot in for the price. Its efficiency and inoffensive looks add up to a good package and reflect what it does well. That said, the underwhelming driving experience and clunky media system are noticeable. Whether they're deal breakers is up to you.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs BYD Sealion 8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volkswagen Tiguan vs BYD Sealion 8
What's the difference?